Social Actions Tuner

DEAR Day 2009
Friday, March 6th at 9:30 a.m.

Along with Read Across America, and in celebration of the great Dr. Seuss' birthday, over 140 readers from our community will bring favorite books to read to our Berkeley Public preschool and elementary school students throughout the district.

What is DEAR Day?
You choose your favorite book to read (or choose one from this suggested reading list: http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/dearday.php ) for 20 minutes of reading aloud. Our wonderful school libraries will each hold receptions that morning to welcome readers. At 9:30 a.m., readers will head to classrooms and we will Drop Everything And Read! After you read, feel free to donate the book to the school's library and socialize with other local volunteers!

DEAR Day is an opportunity for us to share our life-long love of reading with kids and welcome our community to our schools. Please join us!

The medical services at the Berkeley Free Clinic are provided by volunteer community health workers together with volunteer medical professionals. Work with us to provide free health care, educate ourselves and our community, demystify medicine and lab work, promote equal relationships between healthcare providers and recipients, and study and change the healthcare system to better meet people’s real needs. Training includes microscope use, specimen analysis, biosafety, and collectivity. No previous experience necessary!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GAIN EXPERIENCE WORKING ON A GRASSROOTS PROGRESSIVE LOCAL CAMPAIGN THIS SUMMER?

Yetta Kurland 2009 (www.yettakurland.com) is looking for hard working talented interns for this summer to help with all aspects of the campaign, incluidng outreach, Get Out the Vote, petitioning, and much more. Gain valuable experience organizing, while helping to restore the voice of our community to local government. Experience on campaigns or social justice organizing a plus.
Please send resume and cover letter to intern@yettakurland.com.

Millennial-Generated. Millennial-Led.

From an idea of one Millennial at UC Berkeley to a nationwide network of Millennials, Mobilize.org is the national civic engagement organization dedicated to Millennial Generation ideas, discussion, and empowerment.

Our Mission

Mobilize.org is an all-partisan civic engagement organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing Millennials to increase our civic engagement and political participation. We work to show Millennials how public policy impacts our lives, and more importantly – how we can impact public policy.

Mobilize.org is seeking applicants to join our team as unpaid fall 2009 Program Interns in our DC or Berkeley, CA offices.

Program Intern Responsibilities

* Design, execute, and implement local and statewide programming in conjunction with Mobilize.org’s mission and under the advisement and direction of the Program Director
* Assist in designing and executing fundraising campaigns
* Assist in any programmatic or administrative endeavors of Mobilize.org

Qualifications

* Experience working on organizational programming is a plus,
* Ability to self-regulate and work as part of a cross-country network of staff members, both on and offline,
* Eagerness to work with a wide range of members of the Millennial Generation, ages 18 to 30,
* Must have an interest in issues concerning the Millennial Generation, ranging from issues of technology, voting rights, and youth voice,
* Demonstrated commitment to youth politics and youth issues,
* Exemplary written and verbal communication skills essential,
* Strong organizational skills essential, and
* Experience with on or offline advocacy is a plus.

Hours

* Flexible hours based on the intern’s schedule and Mobilize.org’s needs.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Program Director Katie Taylor, at katie@mobilize.org. In the cover letter, please address the ways in which you have experienced working on organizational programming, or what skills you bring to the job that will assist in programming at Mobilize.org. Please email katie@mobilize.org or call (925) 788-0438 for additional information or with any questions.

There is some new and exciting news about the Berkeley Food and Housing Project. We have recently aligned ourselves with a student organization at UC Berkeley which goes beyond the typical campus club. They are called Bear Minimum and function primarily as business by selling 'stuffed animal bear hats' on football game days to Cal fans. Bear Minimum has agreed to donate 90% of their proceeds towards our organization! This could generate in excess of $20,000 this fall for BFHP!
What Bear Minimum needs are enthusiastic game day volunteers to help sell hats prior to the football game. The only skills needed by volunteers are the ability to count change and having that game day mentality.
If you are interested in joining this cause please message Christian Kendall at calbearminimum@gmail.com with a subject line saying BFHP Volunteer 9/27. The next home football game where the hats will be sold is Saturday September 27th at 12:30pm until 3pm. More details will be provided after contacting Christian.
As an incentive for our volunteers Bear Minimum hands out two game tickets to the best sales people! If you are interested in what the hats look like you can check out their website at calbearminimum.googlepages.com . If you are simply interested in purchasing a hat to support us they are $15 and can be bought outside of Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on football game days.

Be A Writing Coach—Help Teens Succeed

“It's the most satisfying work I've done in the schools!”

Do you dream of an East Bay where every high school student graduates with the ability to write clearly and confidently? You can help make this dream a reality! WriterCoach Connection (WCC) is now recruiting volunteers to serve as writing coaches to middle and high school students in Oakland, Berkeley and Albany. For a small investment of time—no more than 2 hours per week, a few weeks per month—you can help students succeed!

A program of the nonprofit Community Alliance for Learning, WCC pairs trained volunteer writing coaches with students to work on classroom writing assignments. In 25-30 minute sessions, coaches work one-on-one with every student in the class, at all levels of achievement. Coaches provide individual feedback, reinforce teacher lessons, and engage, encourage and challenge students to develop and express their own ideas. And, our partner teachers say, "the writing improves dramatically."

Now entering our tenth school year, WCC is excited to have expanded to Oakland with a successful pilot program last year. We are returning to the same high school this year and planning to expand while continuing our WCC programs in Berkeley and Albany.

Best of all, you don't have to be a writer, editor or teacher! WCC provides the hands-on training and support you'll need to be a terrific writing coach. Learn step-by-step methods to mentor students, including your own, at one of our trainings in Berkeley or Oakland.

Roots & Shoots California Volunteer, Berkeley Office

Roots & Shoots®, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute designed to engage and inspire youth of all ages through service-learning projects, is seeking a part-time volunteer intern for our California Regional Office in Berkeley, CA. Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, Roots & Shoots is a fast-growing global program based on the principle that knowledge leads to compassion, which inspires action. All Roots & Shoots groups plan and implement service projects showing care and concern in three areas: people, animals, and the environment.

Roots & Shoots interns gain experience in various aspects of program management and development. They will assist the California Regional Berkeley Office with the day-to-day administration of the Roots & Shoots program including member services, youth campaign development, and some outreach. While many of the intern’s duties are administrative, these positions offer a unique behind the scenes look at a small, fast-growing non-profit international organization and the opportunity to affect lasting change on an evolving program. We have one volunteer position available, focusing on updating our website, membership interactions including mailings and information requests, development, special events and progress reporting.

Intern responsibilities include:
• Handling general program information requests by phone, mail, email, and fax
• Administrative support for the Regional Director
• Assisting in the design and implementation of the R&S program within California
• Entering and acknowledging Activity Reports received from Roots & Shoots groups
• Administering and writing content for regional website
• Helping Program Coordinator produce Roots & Shoots Ca. Regional Newsletter and eNewsletter using Indesign
• Occasionally interacting with the general public and representing the program at events on an as needed basis
• Organizing CA regional R&S networking events on an as-needed basis
• Follow-up with active and renewal groups
• Support Dr. Jane and Roots & Shoots California events on an as-needed basis

Successful candidates will possess the following:
• Interest in helping youth make positive differences for their environment and community
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Currently living in the Bay Area
• Bachelor's or equivalent degree or be currently enrolled in a college level program
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Experience working with young people or in an environmental and/or community service field
• Office and/or business experience
• Strong computer skills and Internet savvy (Microsoft Office and prior database experience preferred)
• Courteous and professional phone manner
• Exceptional writing skills
• Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced and constantly changing working environment

The internship requires a minimum 6-month part-time commitment (flexible) and is a volunteer position that can be taken in conjunction with course credit pending an arrangement between course instructor, student intern, and Roots & Shoots California. Hours are part-time, 10-15 hours per week, Mon-Fri (with flexibility), to be scheduled in concordance with Program Coordinator. The start date is flexible. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

Become a Peer Counselor!

Volunteer with the Peer Counseling Collective at the Berkeley Free Clinic.

Serve your community and receive valuable training for free.

People from all backgrounds and levels of experience are encouraged to apply.

We use a client-centered humanistic approach, emphasizing active listening skills and unconditional positive regard. We don’t give advice but rather believe the best advice comes from within the person being counseled.

Our training will start on October 1st 2009 and will last until end of February 2010.


Be a part of a collectively-run, Bay Area institution active since 1969 (this means your voice will be heard, your opinion welcomed, and your ideas acted upon)

As a member of the Berkeley Free Clinic, you can also gain experience writing grant proposals, organizing people, as well as getting exposure to all of the BFC's services, including primary medical care, HIV and STD testing, Hepatitis testing and vaccination, Information and resoucre referrals, dental care, and men's health.

Want to make a difference in health care?

The Berkeley Free Clinic is now accepting applications for members of its Information Resource Collective (IRC) !!

IRC members provide info and referrals to all clients of the Berkeley Free Clinic. We are responsible for helping direct people to the resources they need, empowering clients to seek out the care they deserve, and for keeping the BFC running smoothly during shift hours.

As a member of the IRC, you will get experience:

- learning about health care (!!!)

- learning about local low-cost health care resources (including mental health, meals, shelters, legal services, addiction treatment, HIV/STD programs etc etc)

- using computer and phone systems to locate current referrals tailored to the needs of a diverse population

- being part of a collectively-run, Bay Area institution active since 1969 (this means your voice will be heard, your opinion welcomed, and your ideas acted upon)

- training around principles of harm reduction, non-judgemental communication, collectivity etc etc

as a member of the BFC, you can also gain experience writing grant proposals, organizing people, as well as getting exposure to all of the BFC's services, including primary medical care, HIV and STD testing, Hepatitis testing and vaccination, peer counseling, dental care, and men's health.

Applications to join the IRC are available at the BFC website berkeleyfreeclinic.org and clicking VOLUNTEER

Training for potential IRC members will begin September , 2009

Join us and make a difference!

It's happening this Sunday, June 21st! We need about 20-23 volunteers to help lay down the pattern for a temporary labyrinth. It is not strenuous, and the volunteer portion of the event takes place from 11:00 - 2:00 with lunch included! See description of the event itself just below.

The East Bay Labyrinth Project is celebrating the Summer Solstice, Father's Day, and the creation of an 11-Circuit Labyrinth at the Berkeley Marina on Sunday, June 21, 2–4 p.m.

This event will include a labyrinth walk on a temporary labyrinth, great music, refreshments, and community participation. The program will be opened by renowned world musician Alan Tower playing the huaca—a triple-chambered earthen clay flute with split mouthpiece, a modern hybrid instrument of resonance based on ancient Peruvian whistling vessel—and by an invocation led by poet/artist Rafael Jesús González, followed by a labyrinth peace walk introduced and facilitated by singer/songwriter Margie Adam. The event is free, and all are welcome!

It will be held 2–4 p.m. on the East Lawn of the Berkeley Marina, just east of the Cal Sailing Club parking lot, facing back toward the bicycle/pedestrian bridge with its lovely view of the water and the East Bay hills. Directions: While heading west, stay on the left side of University Avenue shortly after it bears left at its intersection with Marina Boulevard, and look for the temporary sign pointing to the location. Easily accessible by bus, bike, or car.

It's time for some "sacred fun," for mystery, for creating a more conscious relationship with our bioregion, and for bringing our lives into deeper relationship to one another. Please join us!

The Berkeley Free Clinic Medical Section is currently accepting applications for our 2009 Spring/Fall training! Become part of a clinic community working to empower and give care to those who need it most. You'll receive in depth training in topics ranging from STD testing, upper respiratory infections, dermatology, and ear infections to resources available to the homeless in the bay area, non-western approaches to healing, and working within a collective. No previous medical experience needed, but a wide range of "life experience" is necessary.

This training will begin April 18, 2009 and end September 27, 2009.

Millennial-Generated. Millennial-Led.

From an idea of one Millennial at UC Berkeley to a nationwide network of Millennials, Mobilize.org is the national civic engagement organization dedicated to Millennial Generation ideas, discussion, and empowerment.

Our Mission

Mobilize.org is an all-partisan civic engagement organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing Millennials to increase our civic engagement and political participation. We work to show Millennials how public policy impacts our lives, and more importantly – how we can impact public policy.

Mobilize.org is seeking applicants to join our team as unpaid fall 2009 Development Interns in our DC or Berkeley, CA offices.

Development Intern Responsibilities

* Design, execute, and implement local and statewide programming in conjunction with Mobilize.org’s mission and under the advisement and direction of the Program Director
* Assist in designing and executing fundraising campaigns
* Assist in any programmatic or administrative endeavors of Mobilize.org

Qualifications

* Experience in fundraising efforts, grant writing, and the ability to create and maintain networks for development purposes is a plus,
* Ability to self-regulate and work as part of a cross-country network of staff members, both on and offline,
* Eagerness to work with a wide range of members of the Millennial Generation, ages 18 to 30,
* Must have an interest in issues concerning the Millennial Generation, ranging from issues of technology, voting rights, and youth voice,
* Demonstrated commitment to youth politics and youth issues,
* Exemplary written and verbal communication skills essential,
* Strong organizational skills essential, and
* Experience with on or offline advocacy is a plus.

Hours

* Flexible hours based on the intern’s schedule and Mobilize.org’s needs.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Program Director Katie Taylor, at katie@mobilize.org. In the cover letter, please address specific examples of your development and fundraising experiences. Please email katie@mobilize.org or call (925) 788-0438 for additional information or with any questions.

Millennial-Generated. Millennial-Led.

From an idea of one Millennial at UC Berkeley to a nationwide network of Millennials, Mobilize.org is the national civic engagement organization dedicated to Millennial Generation ideas, discussion, and empowerment.

Our Mission

Mobilize.org is an all-partisan civic engagement organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing Millennials to increase our civic engagement and political participation. We work to show Millennials how public policy impacts our lives, and more importantly – how we can impact public policy.

Mobilize.org is seeking applicants to join our team as unpaid fall 2009 Technical Interns in our DC or Berkeley, CA offices.

Technical Intern Responsibilities

* Design, execute, and implement local and statewide programming in conjunction with Mobilize.org’s mission and under the advisement and direction of the Program Director
* Assist in designing and executing fundraising campaigns
* Assist in any programmatic or administrative endeavors of Mobilize.org

Qualifications

* Strong technical skills with video and web development,
* Ability to self-regulate and work as part of a cross-country network of staff members, both on and offline,
* Eagerness to work with a wide range of members of the Millennial Generation, ages 18 to 30,
* Must have an interest in issues concerning the Millennial Generation, ranging from issues of technology, voting rights, and youth voice,
* Demonstrated commitment to youth politics and youth issues,
* Exemplary written and verbal communication skills essential,
* Strong organizational skills essential, and
* Experience with on or offline advocacy is a plus.

Hours

* Flexible hours based on the intern’s schedule and Mobilize.org’s needs.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Program Director Katie Taylor, at katie@mobilize.org. In the cover letter, please address different experiences that you have had in video and web development. Please email katie@mobilize.org or call (925) 788-0438 for additional information or with any questions.

This is Residential Work/Study program at Nyingma Institute (Tibetan Buddhist) in Berkeley, CA See http://www.nyingmainstitute.com/artProj.html

Room and board, classes in basic Buddhist topics, and a small stipend are provided.

Our current project for 2009 is preparation of traditional Buddhist Prayer Wheels and Prayer Flags which contain mantras of peace, compassion and protection. These are donated to religious practitioners and monasteries in Asia at the annual World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India in early 2010.

Work-Stay in Berkeley, CA -Make Tibetan Prayer Wheels & Prayer Flags http://socialactions.net/tav #takeAction #socialConnect

The Y-Scholars Program serves 160 Berkeley High School students (ninth-twelfth graders) who are low-income and will be the first in their families to attend college. Students attend weekly Academic Support Groups, drop-in tutoring, and receive additional academic and social support from volunteer mentors. As an added incentive, active participants are given free YMCA memberships to use after-school.

Mentors and mentees commit to meet 2-3 hours a week (2 hours for general volunteers, 3 hours for students hoping to receive UCB units) for both "unstructured" academic and social time. However, there are also monthly Y-Scholars social events where mentors and mentees can hang out together with other students and mentors, and staff. A mentor should be available during after-school hours (Monday-Friday, 3:15pm-5:15pm) to meet with his/her mentee.

Volunteers can also choose to tutor instead of mentor, if they like. Tutors get the opportunity to provide academic support to a wide variety of students as opposed to the one-on-one model of mentoring. If, however, a tutor builds a strong bond with a particular student, that tutor can become a mentor. Tutors should be available between the hours of 3:30-5:30pm at least one day Monday-Thursday.

Ideally, volunteers will be passionate about education as a tool for social justice

The Berkeley Free Clinic Medical Section is currently accepting applications for our 2010 training! Become part of a clinic community working to empower and give care to those who need it most. You'll receive in depth training in topics ranging from STD testing, upper respiratory infections, dermatology, and ear infections to resources available to the homeless in the bay area, non-western approaches to healing, and working within a collective. No previous medical experience needed, but a wide range of "life experience" is necessary.

This training will begin March 20, 2010 and end September 12, 2010.